Publix Security Supervisor on Certification: “I Expected a Lot, and I Received a Lot”

One Publix security supervisor shares his experience with LPC certification in 2017.

Kenn Dilworth, LPC, has over twenty years of loss prevention and security experience with Best Buy, Marshalls, and his current employer, Publix Super Markets. During his career, he has held several management positions, including asset protection officer and retail LP auditor. Dilworth retired from the US Navy after twenty years of service, during which he received a Navy Accommodation Medal for humanitarian work in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In addition to his LPC, which he received in 2017, he has also earned his LPQ, certified protection officer (CPO), and certified security solutions (CSS) certifications. Dilworth currently serves as Publix security supervisor.

Why did you decide to pursue your LPC certification?

I had already completed the LPQ in 2015 and personally wanted to improve my loss prevention knowledge and professional development and add to my self-confidence. At the start of 2017, I made obtaining LPC certification a goal. No matter what it would take, I was going to try very hard to achieve this goal. I didn’t just want the designation; I wanted to really know the material. Even now, I often review my notes.

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I knew in advance this course wasn’t going to be easy. Several colleagues of mine who have obtained their LPC certifications told me it was very informative. After reviewing material contents, I knew it was going to be very demanding and challenging. The course material is highly relevant in all aspects of my job. I expected a lot and received a lot. The exam was very challenging because the questions were worded differently than course quizzes. I was well prepared because of my dedication and focus on passing the exam.

Talk about the process of going through the coursework and taking the exam.

First, I had to figure out an action plan on how I was going to complete the course. I tried a couple of things until I found the right course of action for me. I dedicated a time and place to study the material and gathered the supplies I would need, such as 3×5 cards and other equipment like my iPad, cell phone, and printer. Sometimes I would go a couple of days nonstop until I just had to take a short break. I knew I needed “muscle memory” to be disciplined and focused to ensure I would not give up. I studied, completed the quizzes, and reviewed my answers. When I identified sections where I had the greatest opportunities, I made sure I would spend extra time reviewing it.

When I felt ready to take the exam, I reviewed my notes again and again until it became automatic. The night before the exam, I made sure I had a good night sleep, then had a light breakfast and watched my sugar and sodium intake. I arrived at the testing center thirty minutes early to check in. As I reviewed the exam, which was worded completely differently from course quizzes, I made sure to reread the questions thoroughly before making any selections. If I had not taken extra time to study and really know the course material, I would not have felt comfortable enough to pass the exam. When I had completed the exam and reviewed all my answers, I closed my eyes and push the exam “Complete” button. When the system said, “Passed,” I was very excited and proud.

Looking at your own personal background and knowledge, what information in the course helped you the most?

Finance, budgeting, supply chain, crisis management, logistics, and pharmacy are sections that helped me the most. This information made me feel comfortable and provided a broader understanding that will make me a more rounded business partner.

Learn more about the benefits this Publix security supervisor has seen from taking the course, as well as his top takeaway for someone who is currently considering getting certified, in the full article, “Stepping Up Your Game as an LP Professional,” which was originally published in 2018. This excerpt was updated November 7, 2018.

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